We all love Costco for those bulk deals that save us money. I was there last week, staring at the meat section with my cart already overflowing, wondering what to grab for dinners this week. But not everything behind that glass deserves your hard-earned cash! While Costco has some amazing meat options, there are definitely some you should walk right past. I’ve done the research (and made some expensive mistakes) so you don’t have to waste your money on disappointing meat that ends up in the trash.
Blade-tenderized steaks have hidden dangers
You might not know this, but many of Costco’s steaks go through a process called blade tenderizing. This means tiny needles poke through the meat to make it more tender. Sounds good, right? The problem is these needles can push bacteria from the surface into the middle of your steak. When you cook a steak rare or medium-rare (the way most people enjoy them), you might not kill all the bacteria that’s now hiding inside the meat instead of just on the surface where heat would normally kill it.
For safety, you’d need to cook these steaks to at least 160°F (well-done), which many steak lovers find disappointing. If you prefer your steaks with a pink center, you’re better off looking for whole, non-tenderized cuts. Check the label carefully – if it says “blade tenderized” somewhere in the fine print, you might want to skip it. Many customers don’t realize this process happens and wonder why they occasionally get sick after eating their perfectly cooked (but actually undercooked) steaks.
Kirkland Signature chicken thighs spoil quickly
Have you ever opened a package of chicken only to find that weird smell, even though it’s before the expiration date? Kirkland Signature chicken thighs have a reputation for this problem. Many shoppers report that these thighs spoil faster than expected, sometimes even before the sell-by date on the package. This is super frustrating when you’re planning meals for the week and suddenly discover your dinner plans are ruined. Not to mention it’s a total waste of money when you have to throw food away.
The issue seems to be with the packaging and processing. Several customers have noticed excess moisture in the packages, which can accelerate bacterial growth. If you need chicken thighs, you might be better off buying them from your local grocery store in smaller quantities that you’ll use right away. Some shoppers have switched to other brands or frozen options after multiple disappointing experiences with the Kirkland version. Fresh isn’t always better if it doesn’t stay fresh until you need it!
Choice filet mignon steaks are poorly trimmed
When you’re paying premium prices for filet mignon, you expect a perfectly trimmed, tender cut of meat. Unfortunately, Costco’s Choice filet mignon steaks often fall short of these expectations. Many customers have complained about poor trimming, with excess fat, silverskin, and chain meat left attached. This isn’t just annoying – it means you’re paying filet mignon prices for parts you’ll end up cutting off and throwing away. When I bought these last year, I was shocked at how much trimming I had to do myself.
The inconsistent quality is another major issue. One package might be perfect while the next is disappointing. For special occasions when you want to serve filet mignon, it might be worth visiting a dedicated butcher shop instead. There, you can see exactly what you’re getting and have it trimmed to your specifications. While Costco’s prices seem attractive, the actual value decreases when you account for the weight of the inedible parts you’ll discard. Remember, with expensive cuts like filet, quality should come before quantity.
Kirkland Signature fresh party wings lack crispiness
If you’re planning a game day party or family gathering, you might be tempted by those big packs of Kirkland Signature fresh party wings. But hold off before you toss them in your cart. Many Costco shoppers have found these wings consistently disappointing. The main complaint? They’re often tough and chewy, no matter how you cook them. I’ve tried frying, baking, and even air-frying these wings, and they never get that crispy skin and tender meat that great wings should have.
Another gross issue that customers frequently mention is finding feathers still attached to the skin. Nothing ruins your appetite faster than having to pluck chicken wings before cooking them! Even after careful cleaning, the wings often cook unevenly and remain rubbery. For better results, consider buying wings from a specialty meat market or even going with frozen wings from other brands. Many customers have switched to alternatives after multiple disappointing experiences with the Kirkland fresh wings. Your party guests will thank you!
Kirkland Signature hickory smoked bacon quality issues
Bacon lovers, this one hurts to write. Kirkland Signature hickory smoked bacon used to be amazing, but many loyal Costco shoppers have noticed a decline in quality recently. The issues include inconsistent slicing (some pieces paper-thin, others too thick), excess fat even by bacon standards, and packages with fewer slices than before. The worst part? The flavor just isn’t what it used to be. The smokiness seems artificial, and the meat-to-fat ratio has gotten worse, leaving you with shriveled-up pieces after cooking.
The packaging has also been problematic lately. Several customers report opening the package to find the bacon slices are stuck together or mangled, making it impossible to get nice, even strips for cooking. This is especially frustrating when you’re trying to make breakfast for a group. For better bacon options, consider upgrading to Costco’s premium bacon varieties or checking out bacon from your local butcher shop. Even some mainstream grocery store brands are outperforming Kirkland’s version these days. It’s sad to see a once-great product fall from grace!
Kirkland Signature meatballs have texture problems
Frozen meatballs should make weeknight dinners easier, not more disappointing. Unfortunately, Kirkland Signature meatballs have been getting thumbs-down reviews from many Costco members. The main complaint is their odd, spongy texture that doesn’t improve with cooking. Instead of the firm, meaty bite you want from a good meatball, these often turn out mushy or rubbery. The seasoning is also frequently criticized as bland and one-dimensional, requiring significant doctoring to make them tasty.
Size inconsistency is another common issue – some meatballs in the bag are tiny while others are huge, making it impossible to cook them evenly. When you’re feeding a family, having some meatballs burnt while others are still cold in the middle is frustrating. Many shoppers find it’s worth either making meatballs from scratch using Costco’s quality ground beef or looking for premium frozen brands instead. If you need the convenience of pre-made meatballs, try smaller packages from specialty brands rather than committing to the massive Costco-sized bag that might disappoint. Your spaghetti deserves better!
Kirkland Signature Italian sausage lacks flavor
Italian sausage should be bursting with herbs, spices, and that distinctive fennel flavor that makes it perfect for pasta dishes and sandwiches. But Kirkland Signature mild Italian sausage falls flat in the flavor department. Many customers describe it as bland and one-note, lacking the complex seasonings you expect from quality Italian sausage. When I used these in my favorite pasta recipe, I had to add so many extra spices that I might as well have started with plain ground pork!
The texture is another common complaint. These sausages often cook up with a grainy, unpleasant mouthfeel rather than the juicy, cohesive texture that makes sausage so satisfying. Some customers have also noted inconsistent fat content, with some packages being way too greasy while others are dry. For Italian dishes where the sausage is a star ingredient, consider purchasing from an Italian deli or specialty meat counter instead. Even mainstream grocery store brands often offer better flavor profiles than the Kirkland version. Sometimes saving money means sacrificing too much quality.
Choice flank steak is too inconsistent
Flank steak should be a reliable option for quick weeknight meals like fajitas and stir-fries. It’s usually a lean cut with distinctive grain and good flavor when sliced properly. However, Costco’s Choice flank steak has been hit-or-miss for many shoppers. The main issue is extreme inconsistency – one package might be tender and flavorful, while the next is tough as leather even with proper preparation. This makes it hard to rely on for planned meals, especially when you’re cooking for others.
Thickness inconsistency is another common problem. Parts of the same steak can vary dramatically in thickness, making it nearly impossible to cook evenly. The thinner parts overcook and become tough before the thicker sections reach the proper temperature. Many customers have found better results with flank steak from local butchers who can trim it more consistently. If you do buy Costco’s version, inspect the package carefully to check for even thickness and good color. When preparing it, consider cutting very uneven pieces into separate portions that can be cooked to different temperatures.
Shopping smarter at Costco means knowing what to skip along with what to buy. The next time you’re rolling your cart through the meat department, remember that not everything in those coolers deserves your money. By avoiding these disappointing options, you’ll save cash and enjoy better meals with the truly good Costco meat selections. Your family’s taste buds and your wallet will both thank you for being selective about which packages make it home with you.
